INTEGRATED SAFEGUARDS DATASHEET APPRAISAL STAGE

Transcription

1 Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized I. Basic Information Date prepared/updated: 12/20/2007 INTEGRATED SAFEGUARDS DATASHEET APPRAISAL STAGE Report No.: AC Basic Project Data Country: Congo, Democratic Republic of Project ID: P Project Name: CONGO DRC - Pro-Routes Project Task Team Leader: Alain L. Labeau Estimated Appraisal Date: October 22, Estimated Board Date: March 18, Managing Unit: AFTTR Lending Instrument: Sector Investment and Maintenance Loan Sector: Roads and highways (100%) Theme: Small and medium enterprise support (P) IBRD Amount (US$m.): 0.00 IDA Amount (US$m.): GEF Amount (US$m.): 0.00 PCF Amount (US$m.): 0.00 Other financing amounts by source: BORROWER/RECIPIENT 0.00 UK: British Department for International Development (DFID) Environmental Category: A - Full Assessment Simplified Processing Simple [] Repeater [] Is this project processed under OP 8.50 (Emergency Recovery) or OP 8.00 (Rapid Response to Crises and Emergencies) [ ] No [] 2. Project Objectives The proposed project s development objective is to re-establish lasting access between provincial capitals and districts and territories in three provinces in a way that is sustainable for people and the natural environment in the area of influence of the operation. The specific objectives are to: (i) re-open about 1,800km of the high priority road network and maintain them thereafter; (ii) strengthen the capacity of the ministry and agencies involved in the road sector including in strategy and policy formulation; and (iii) help the country combine post-conflict infrastructure recovery with the protection of environment and indigenous communities such as the pygmies. 3. Project Description Pro-routes project comprises of four components: Component 1 will help reestablish land connection between the provinces of Sud-Kivu and Katanga, and within the Province Orientale. This component will focus on 1,800 km of high priority national roads serving highly populated regions, namely Kisangani Buta-

2 Bondo-Bunduki (RN6) which is 620 km long, within the ProvinceOrientale and connecting to Province de l Equateur, and Uvira Kasomeno, whichis 1180 km long and crosses the provinces of Sud Kivu and Katanga.. Component 2 includes all activities related to capacity building, institutional strengthening, and project implementation. This component covers the updating of the road sector strategy, the provision of technical assistance to enhance capacity of the CI, the OdR and the Road Fund, the fees and operating costs of the CI and the support program to develop the construction industry in the road sector. Component 3 covers environmental and social protection activities. This component will support public institutions such as ICCN (Congolese Institute of Nature Conservation) and the MECNT in protecting natural habitats, biodiversity and forests and enforcing the pertaining laws. MECNT and ICCN with support of the international NGO will carry out two main programs that correspond to their regular mandates: a forest protection program and a commercial poaching control program MECNT b protected areas program ICCN In implementing these programs, the component will support partnerships with national and international NGOs to assist with a package of support including technical assistance, third-party monitoring, piloting participatory approaches with local communities, and public information and awareness raising. In particular, an experienced and specialized international NGO will be recruited to provide MECNT, ICCN and other stakeholders with: - technical assistance, training and equipment for field offices of MECNT and ICCN to help them protect forests, biodiversity and natural habitats and enforce pertaining laws; - third-party monitoring in support of law enforcement, especially with regard to illegal logging, commercial poaching, encroachment on protected areas and public information on findings of mission controls and on penalties; - partnerships with local NGOs and associations to lead information campaigns and local consultations, develop participatory land use planning, and pilot alternative incomegenerating activities; a participatory community based natural resources management subcomponent will bring all stakeholders together and reach agreements on land use zoning, management and control mechanisms of natural resources in 5 pilot areas containing sensitive ecologically resources and carrying out pilots to intensify agriculture and, to limit the usual shifting cultivation practices with the objective to reduce impacts on forests; - information, outreach, and awareness raising with concerned stakeholders including local communities and authorities, professional associations, and civil society organizations Component 4 covers monitoring and evaluation including the development of a road data collection system and the environmental and social program.

3 4. Project Location and salient physical characteristics relevant to the safeguard analysis The road segment Kisangani Buta-Bunduki (RN6) is located in the province Orientale and is 620 km long. This zone is mostly a rainforest area. This road segment is located in an ecologically very sensitive area and passes through or is located in the zone of influence of the rainforest belt of DRC. Over large stretches the forest is still in a decent state and ecological degradation is still minimal. It still contains a vast area still free of human activities and low population density. The Rubi-Tele Hunting Reserve (between Banalia and Buta in province Orientale) is the only protected area of great importance to biodiversity directly traversed by the road. It is currently being invaded by diamonddiggers and poachers. The Bili Uere Reserve is located in the influence zone of the road, 180 miles northeast of Buta. The rehabilitation of the road will considerably increase the pressure on these areas, which are badly, if not at all, managed from ill-equipped outposts of ICCN (Congolese Institute of Nature Conservation). In Rubi-Tele, hunting takes place in the heart of the reserve, to the detriment of the most sensitive species such as elephant, okapi, chimpanzees and other primates. The road segment Uvira - Kasomeno crosses the Provinces Sud-Kivu, Maniema, and Katanga, over a length of 1180 km. This zone is mostly a savanna area and cuts across a number of protected areas, namely the Mount Katobo Reserve (the road passes some kilometers to the west of the reserve) and the proposed Mount Itombwe Reserves (the road passes through this reserve) in Sud-Kivu, South and North Luama Hunting Reserves in the provinces of Maniema and Katanga are located in the zone of influence of the road, and the Kundelungu National Park (road passes 7 km of park boundary) and Moliro Hunting Reserve (in the process of creation; road passes through this reserve) in the province of Katanga. The total area of these is almost 3 million ha. The management capacity for these protected areas is particularly weak. Hunting for bushmeat is intense. Hunting and fishing are practiced everywhere without rules, without mercy and without a thought to the species reproductive capacity. In the savanna areas, wildlife has all but disappeared. Available knowledge about flora and fauna and the conservation status in these protected areas is poor to non-existent within the protected areas, non-existent outside them. A large part of this road segment is located in the Albertine Rift Valley, which is known for its very high biodiversity. 5. Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialists Mr Mohamed Arbi Ben-Achour (AFTCS) Mr Robert A. Robelus (AFTEG)

4 6. Safeguard Policies Triggered No Environmental Assessment (OP/BP 4.01) Natural Habitats (OP/BP 4.04) Forests (OP/BP 4.36) Pest Management (OP 4.09) Physical Cultural Resources (OP/BP 4.11) Indigenous Peoples (OP/BP 4.10) Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12) Safety of Dams (OP/BP 4.37) Projects on International Waterways (OP/BP 7.50) Projects in Disputed Areas (OP/BP 7.60) II. Key Safeguard Policy Issues and Their Management A. Summary of Key Safeguard Issues 1. Describe any safeguard issues and impacts associated with the proposed project. Identify and describe any potential large scale, significant and/or irreversible impacts: The reopening Kisangani-Buta-Bunduki segment will open greater economic opportunities and attract all kinds of individuals striving for quick and substantial profits as well as economically disadvantaged people in need of better ways to sustain a living. The number of legal and illegal logging activities, charcoal production and poaching, encroachment on protected areas by agriculturalists, miners (mostly gold and diamonds) and others will increase, endangering the protected areas and animal species which have been protected because of inaccessibility. The existing protected areas, such as the Rubi Tele Hunting Reserve in the province Orientale, will be crossed by the road, while the Bili Uere Reserve remains in the area of influence. The reopening of the road could lead to the development of agricultural, livestock and mining (diamonds, gold) activities on the one hand, with poaching, legal and illegal logging on the other hand. The reopening of the Uvira Kasomeno road will increase access to a number of protected areas crossed by the road or located in the periphery of the road. This improved access will expose the protected areas to increased poaching pressure and charcoal producers. This improved access will also facilitate the influx of new-comers such as miners and agriculturalists. The environmental and nature conservation services are not represented in the field. The laws and regulations that apply to natural resource management in DRC (agriculture, forestry, hunting and fishing) are not adequately enforced. Commercial forestry, as practiced along the road in the province Orientale, destroys the protected species with impunity and gives little or nothing in return to local communities or local authorities (equipment, employment or tax revenues). If the road rehabilitation program financed under the Pro Routes project is not supported by adequate, well monitored and enforced mitigation measures, the expected positive impacts of the road will more likely be offset by the negative impacts described above.

5 The impacts on the rainforests, on biodiversity and on protected areas would be irreversible. There is a possibility that the indigenous people (Pygmies) along the axis Uvira - Kalemie could be displaced with other negative consequences such as loss of their traditional territories and resources. If unmitigated, this could potentially lead to further impoverishment and incremental loss of their cultural identity and ways. 2. Describe any potential indirect and/or long term impacts due to anticipated future activities in the project area: Potential long term indirect and cumulative impacts of road reopening would be the slow disappearance of the rainforests in the area of influence of the Kisangani-Buta-Bunduki segment, decimation of biodiversity through commercial poaching and irreversible impacts on the protected areas in the vicinity of two road segments (Kisangani-Buta- Bunduki and Uvira-Kasomeno) through commercial poaching and encroachment by artisanal miners and agriculturalists. Other significant negative impacts include (i) increased rate of accidents due to increased motorized traffic; and (ii) increased respiratory health hazard for the population living along the roads due to dust in the air generated by fast moving vehicles during the dry season. 3. Describe any project alternatives (if relevant) considered to help avoid or minimize adverse impacts. The only project alternative available, except for minor modifications in the alignment of the roads, would be not to reopen the roads. This alternative has been rejected because these roads are the only land communication that can lift highly populated areas out of isolation and provide them with opportunities for improved living condition. It is expected that if the environmental and social program component is adequately implemented, the impacts of the project will be approximately neutral from an environmental point of view. It is also expected that strengthening of law enforcement would have positive impacts on protected areas, biodiversity and forests 4. Describe measures taken by the borrower to address safeguard policy issues. Provide an assessment of borrower capacity to plan and implement the measures described. Measures to address safeguard policy issues The loss of rainforests areas, biodiversity and protected areas would be irreversible. To avoid such consequences to take place, an environmental and social component has been developed as part of project. The borrower prepared an initial ESMF (Environmental and Social Management Framework), which was approved and disclosed 120 days before the planned Board date on September 21, For each road segment a separate Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) will be prepared and disclosed at least 3 months before any physical works start in order to address specific environmental and social issues related to the road segment. At present an ESIA for the Kisangani Bunduki segment has been prepared andwill be disclosed before negotiations. These

6 road specific EAs will contain EMPs, which will be included in contracts to ensure adequate implementation. In order to mitigate the non-construction related environmental impacts and to strengthen the enforcement of the pertaining laws, an environmental and social component has been developed for the project. The main subcomponents of the environmental and social component (component 3) are: i) a comprehensive environmental capacity building subcomponent for the responsible institutions (ICCN, MECNEF, OdR); ii) a participatory natural resources management which will bring all stakeholders together and reach agreements on land use zoning, management and control mechanisms of natural resources in 5 pilot areas containing sensitive ecologically resources and carrying out pilots to intensify agriculture and, to limit the usual shifting cultivation practices; and iii) a rigorous environmental monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plan. The environmental M&E subcomponent will be undertaken by the responsible institutions in close collaboration with an independent international NGO (third party), which will publish independent monitoring reports. A Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) was prepared and disclosed on September 21, 2007 for the project. An RPF was prepared as technical studies have not yet been completed, accessibility of the roads is very difficult and security was not consistently assured. However, provisions have been made to complete a socio-economic study with a detailed census for each axis. These studies will be used for the preparation of Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs) if and where needed. The two RAPs will be approved, disclosed and implemented at least 3 months before the launching of any construction/rehabilitation works For the axis Uvira-Kasomeno, preliminary studies indicate that there are several Pygmies camps established between Uvira and Kalemie and up to Moba. At this stage of preparation, detailed information cannot be obtained to prepare an Indigenous Peoples Development Plan (IPDP). Instead, an Indigenous Peoples Planning Framework (IPPF) was prepared, approved and disclosed on September 21, During the first year of project implementation, when accessibility and security are restored to an acceptable level, a detailed Indigenous Peoples Development Plan (IPDP) will be prepared and disclosed at least 3 months before the start of any physical works. Along the axis Kisangani-Buta-Bunduki and in its area of influence, it has been determined with the participation of several stakeholders, including NGOs, that there are no Pygmies camps. This finding is consigned in a project document titled Etude d Impact Socio-Environnemental du Projet Pro-Routes Cadre stratãƒâ gique (ESMF), Juillet Hence no mitigation measures for indigenous people are needed for this axis. During project implementation, should we discover that pygmy groups are present in the area of influence of this road segment, an Indigenous Peoples Development Plan (IPDP) will be prepared, including comprehensive consultation, and disclosed.

7 If ESIAs (Environmental and Social Impact Assessments) recommend the development of new protected areas, or limit access to existing protected areas as environmental mitigation measures, a Process Framework (PF) will be developed for those protected areas. The ESMF, RPF and the IPPF were disclosed on September 21, 2007 in Kinshasa, Buta, Bukavu, Pweto, Kalemie, and Lubumbashi and in the World Bank Infoshop. Assessment of borrower capacity Since borrower capacity to adequately implement the safeguard measures is still weak the environmental component will comprehensively support capacity building for the public institutions such as ICCN and the MECNEF in order to protect natural habitats, biodiversity and forests and enforcing the pertaining laws. It will also foster partnerships with national and international NGOs to assist with a package of support. An independent internationally recognized NGO in close collaboration with concerned Ministries and local NGOs will have the overall responsibility for the implementation of the EMPs, RAPs, IPDPs and Component 3. The environmental monitoring and evaluation will be undertaken by the responsible institutions (MECNEF, ICCN, and CI) in collaboration with the specialized NGO. This NGO will publish independent monitoring reports. This NGO will be recruited three months after project effectiveness. Monitoring and evaluation will also be executed by the Cellule Infrastructure (CI) in charge of overall project implementation. Within the CI, an Environmental/ Social Specialist will be recruited to lead the implementation and the monitoring of the EMPs, RAPs, IPDPs. He/she will be trained in the areas of participatory development and social assessment and environmental assessment. During the project life span, he/she will be assisted by an internationally recruited environmental / social expert who will also provide training as needed to the staff of the Ministries and local NGOs involved in the implementation of the mitigation measures. These environmental / social specialists will be recruited before the start of any physical works. A budget has been allocated for safeguard training. Additionally, an experienced independent international NGO will assist the World Bank in supervising the execution of the Environmental and Social Program (Component 3, EMPs, RAPs and IPDPs). This international independent NGO will act as an independent environmental auditor. The reports of this independent NGO will be public documents. The biodiversity specialist retained for project preparation and the international independent NGO for project implementation will constitute the Environmental and Social Advisory Panel (ESAP) required for environmentally sensitive category A projects, as described in the World Bank Safeguard Policy on Environmental Assessment (OP 4.01). The Panel will carry out bi-annual surveys and convene specifics experts when and as required.

8 5. Identify the key stakeholders and describe the mechanisms for consultation and disclosure on safeguard policies, with an emphasis on potentially affected people. Key stakeholders include, the concerned communities, including the Pygmies, specialized NGOs, the district authorities, the Ministry of Infrastructure, Public Works and Reconstruction (MIPWR), the Cellule Infrastructures (CI), the Office des Routes (OdR), MECNT (Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation and Tourism), ICCN (Congolese Institute of Nature Conservation), and the Provincial Authorities. The CI, acting as the project implementation unit, will be responsible for managing the interactions with the OdR, MECNEF, ICCN and NGO partners. Consultation with the communities and key stakeholders such as the local authorities and the NGOs is considered as a process that has already started during project preparation and will continue throughout implementation. Extensive public consultation has taken place during the preparation of the ESMF (Environmental and Social Management Framework) and the ESIA (Environmental and Social Impact Assessment) for the Kisangani-Buta-Bunduki segment. Consultation will also play an important role in the process of monitoring of project impact. Priority will be given to focus groups, village meetings and periodic, but regular data collection through open-ended questionnaires. Information sharing workshops will be organized several times during the life span of the project, to collect view points and share information. B. Disclosure Requirements Date Environmental Assessment/Audit/Management Plan/Other: Was the document disclosed prior to appraisal? Date of receipt by the Bank 09/20/2007 Date of "in-country" disclosure 09/21/2007 Date of submission to InfoShop 09/21/2007 For category A projects, date of distributing the Executive Summary of the EA to the Executive Directors 12/20/2007 Resettlement Action Plan/Framework/Policy Process: Was the document disclosed prior to appraisal? Date of receipt by the Bank 09/21/2007 Date of "in-country" disclosure 09/21/2007 Date of submission to InfoShop 09/21/2007 Indigenous Peoples Plan/Planning Framework: Was the document disclosed prior to appraisal? Date of receipt by the Bank 09/21/2007 Date of "in-country" disclosure 09/21/2007 Date of submission to InfoShop 09/21/2007 * If the project triggers the Pest Management and/or Physical Cultural Resources, the respective issues are to be addressed and disclosed as part of the Environmental Assessment/Audit/or EMP.

9 If in-country disclosure of any of the above documents is not expected, please explain why: C. Compliance Monitoring Indicators at the Corporate Level (to be filled in when the ISDS is finalized by the project decision meeting) OP/BP/GP Environment Assessment Does the project require a stand-alone EA (including EMP) report? If yes, then did the Regional Environment Unit or Sector Manager (SM) review and approve the EA report? Are the cost and the accountabilities for the EMP incorporated in the credit/loan? OP/BP Natural Habitats Would the project result in any significant conversion or degradation of critical natural habitats? If the project would result in significant conversion or degradation of other (non-critical) natural habitats, does the project include mitigation measures acceptable to the Bank? OP/BP Physical Cultural Resources Does the EA include adequate measures related to cultural property? Does the credit/loan incorporate mechanisms to mitigate the potential adverse impacts on cultural property? OP/BP Indigenous Peoples Has a separate Indigenous Peoples Plan/Planning Framework (as appropriate) been prepared in consultation with affected Indigenous Peoples? If yes, then did the Regional unit responsible for safeguards or Sector Manager review the plan? If the whole project is designed to benefit IP, has the design been reviewed and approved by the Regional Social Development Unit or Sector Manager? OP/BP Involuntary Resettlement Has a resettlement plan/abbreviated plan/policy framework/process framework (as appropriate) been prepared? If yes, then did the Regional unit responsible for safeguards or Sector Manager review the plan? OP/BP Forests Has the sector-wide analysis of policy and institutional issues and constraints been carried out? Does the project design include satisfactory measures to overcome these constraints? Does the project finance commercial harvesting, and if so, does it include provisions for certification system? The World Bank Policy on Disclosure of Information Have relevant safeguard policies documents been sent to the World Bank s Infoshop? No N/A N/A No

10 Have relevant documents been disclosed in-country in a public place in a form and language that are understandable and accessible to project-affected groups and local NGOs? All Safeguard Policies Have satisfactory calendar, budget and clear institutional responsibilities been prepared for the implementation of measures related to safeguard policies? Have costs related to safeguard policy measures been included in the project cost? Does the Monitoring and Evaluation system of the project include the monitoring of safeguard impacts and measures related to safeguard policies? Have satisfactory implementation arrangements been agreed with the borrower and the same been adequately reflected in the project legal documents? D. Approvals Signed and submitted by: Name Date Task Team Leader: Mr Alain L. Labeau 12/19/2007 Environmental Specialist: Mr Robert A. Robelus 12/19/2007 Social Development Specialist Mr Mohamed Arbi Ben-Achour 12/19/2007 Additional Environmental and/or Social Development Specialist(s): Approved by: Regional Safeguards Coordinator: Mr Warren Waters 12/19/2007 Comments: Sector Manager: Mr C. Sanjivi Rajasingham 12/19/2007 Comments: